An Entrepreneurship Spotlight on Joseph J. Licata & John J. Rossillo: Rossillo Licata LLP

Rossillo & Licata LLP is a law firm based in Westbury, New York, dedicated to delivering high-quality, legal services. The firm’s founding partners, Joseph J. Licata III and John J. Rossillo, represent insurance companies in the defense of No-Fault claims in both court and arbitration. They also represent clients injured in motor vehicle, slip, trip and fall, and other accidents. With decades of combined experience and a service-oriented approach, Rossillo & Licata strives to provide exceptional representation tailored to both individual and business needs. Take a look at Rossillo & Licata's website here: https://rossillolicata.com/.

Q: How did the both of you meet?

A: John and I first met while we were law clerks during our final year of law school at a law firm in Lake Success, New York. From the beginning of our internship, we discovered that we shared similar values, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for practicing law. What started as a professional connection quickly developed into a friendship grounded in mutual respect and drive.

After graduating and being admitted to the New York Bar, we each spent approximately three years working at separate firms, gaining valuable experience and refining our skills. During that time, we stayed in touch, and it became clear that we both had the same entrepreneurial mindset and long-term goals.

When we reconnected to seriously discuss starting our own practice, it felt like a natural progression. Throughout that formative period, we were consistently aligned in our vision, our commitment to hard work, and our determination to build something meaningful. We were both fully dedicated to finding new clients, developing referral sources, and growing the practice strategically.

Because we shared the same core values and work ethic from the very beginning, we knew our partnership had a strong foundation. It was not just a business decision, it was a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to success.

Q: What made you decide to start your own firm instead of remaining at an established one?

A: While we both gained invaluable experience working at established firms, we always had an entrepreneurial drive that pushed us to want more responsibility, more autonomy, and more control over our professional futures. We didn’t just want to practice law, we wanted to build something of our own.

Starting our own firm gave us the freedom to shape our practice according to our values. We could choose the types of cases we handled, the clients we represented, and the culture we wanted to create. We were no longer limited by someone else’s structure or long-term vision. Instead, we had the ability to implement new ideas, adapt quickly, and grow the firm in a way that reflected our shared work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Equally important was accountability. When you own your own firm, there is no one else to point to. Every decision, good or bad,rests with you. That level of responsibility was motivating for us. It required discipline, resilience, and constant effort, but it also created a deep sense of ownership and pride in everything we accomplished.

There is also a direct connection between hard work and reward. At an established firm, your efforts contribute to the overall success of the organization. As firm owners, we reap the financial benefits of the risks we take and the work we put in. That alignment between effort and outcome is incredibly empowering.

Ultimately, we wanted to build a practice where our success would be a direct reflection of our commitment, integrity, and determination. Starting our own firm gave us the opportunity to do exactly that.

Q: How did you know you could trust each other as business partners?

A: Trust was built long before we ever discussed starting a firm together. From the time we worked as law clerks during our final year of law school, we saw firsthand how each of us approached responsibility, deadlines, and client matters. We both took our work seriously, showed up prepared, and were willing to put in the extra effort without being asked. That consistency laid the foundation for mutual respect.

Even after we went to separate firms for several years, we stayed in touch and continued to observe each other’s professional growth. We saw how the other handled challenges, developed client relationships, and maintained a strong reputation. There was never any question about integrity, our values were aligned from the beginning.

Trust also came from open communication. From the earliest conversations about starting a practice, we were candid about our goals, expectations, strengths, and weaknesses. We had honest discussions about finances, risk, workload, and long-term vision. There were no hidden agendas, just a shared commitment to building something meaningful together.

Ultimately, we trusted each other because we had already proven ourselves — not just as lawyers, but as people. We knew that we shared the same work ethic, the same sense of accountability, and the same dedication to doing things the right way. That foundation made our partnership feel like a natural and confident step forward.

Q: What is the key to making a partnership last?

A: The key to making a partnership last is alignment, alignment in values, work ethic, vision, and integrity. Skills and experience are important, but if two partners do not share the same core principles and long-term goals, the foundation eventually weakens. From the beginning, we were aligned on how we wanted to practice law, how we wanted to treat clients, and how hard we were willing to work to grow the firm.

Equally important is communication. Partnerships require ongoing, honest conversations, especially when decisions are difficult or when challenges arise. Avoiding uncomfortable discussions only creates distance. Addressing issues directly, respectfully, and early keeps small problems from becoming larger ones.

Another critical factor is mutual respect. Each partner must recognize the other’s strengths and trust their judgment. There has to be an understanding that you are working toward a shared goal, not competing for individual recognition. When ego is set aside and the firm’s success comes first, the partnership becomes stronger.

Finally, accountability sustains longevity. Both partners must be equally committed to putting in the effort, upholding standards, and carrying their share of responsibility. When both individuals know they can rely on the other to show up, follow through, and lead by example, the partnership is built to endure.